[2] The sexes are alike in appearance, mainly black with maroon hints to the head, upper back and lower breast.

The face and upper breast are bright yellow, with narrow white and broader red lines forming a lower border.

Juvenile birds are sooty-black, and have duller plumage, particularly with respect to the bib, red border, and lower mandible.

Small flocks, usually consisting of 3–12 birds, move through the forest with an undulating flight, rarely travelling more than 100m at a time.

They are blind and naked at birth, and have short bills and specialised pads on their heels to protect them from the rough floor of the nest.